"Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!"

The phrase posted above is from Psalm 144, which was today's Responsorial Psalm during Mass ... and it took on a profound relevance for this author, given something unusual that recently took place - allow me to just show you, my reader:

The stone pictured was included in a batch of decorative petrified (agatized) wood I purchased from Etsy earlier this month.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered upon its surface, a small image, which I can't help but recognize as a likeness of the Holy Face.  Compare it to the illustration of Jesus shown in the inset - the resemblance is simply striking!

After pondering it over and over, I can't consider the image to be anything but another affirmation of the Holy Face Devotion; a sign, amongst several I've witnessed, that continues to strengthen my faith and enthusiasm for a devotion that I've been practicing and promoting for over 30 years now ... and which has resulted in many signal graces in both my spiritual and secular life.  The Holy Face Devotion is truly anointed and very important for our times.  I can't emphasize enough how one should embrace it.

... and going back to the Psalm, incidentally, earlier today I had decided to take my "Jesus Rock" to Mass at the Honolulu Cathedral Basilica to have a priest bless it.  While I was lectoring, it was another surprise when I had to announce the Responsorial Psalm:

"Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!"

- Psalm 144

How personally relevant, I thought to myself as the words of the Psalm jumped out at me from the Lectionary.  It all seemed surreal and almost prophetic, given this unusual rock I happened to have in my pocket. 

To read more about the origin of the Holy Face Devotion and to view other Holy Face signs experienced by this author, click/tap here.